The NFL is considering normalcy for its regular season and the playoffs, where we will see two more teams.
The owners voted Tuesday to add a club in the American and another in the National, for a total of 14 teams in the one-off fixtures.
Only one formation on each side will go directly to the second round.
That gives two more playoff games; Via a conference call, the owners assigned one each to CBS and NBC on Tuesday.
Three-quarters of the 32 owners had to approve the new formula and the vote was unanimous, said league football operations chief Troy Vincent.
As for starting the season on September 10 as scheduled, NFL Senior Counsel Jeff Pash said:
“We are focusing on a normal season starting on time, played in front of the fans, in our usual stadiums, and which includes all 16 regular season games and playoffs. ”
There are stadiums under construction in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and we anticipate games in England and Mexico.
“I expect international games to be on our schedule this year,” added Pash.
We are optimistic. Obviously, we’ll have to work with authorities and public health (in the US), as well as the governments of those other countries, to make sure it’s completely safe to show games. ”
There are discussions about potential disruptions, given the coronavirus pandemic.
The NFL also plans to release its schedule on May 9.
Team presidents and owners have also been briefed on current plans for the draft, which runs April 23-25.
Peter O’Reilly, who oversees events like the Super Bowl and the Draft, said everything is being done to ensure these days go smoothly.
O’Reilly said social separation will be respected with no more than 10 people together, at least six feet apart. Anyone who is sick will be kept away.
Commissioner Roger Goodell will announce the first round picks from a central site. For televising, the offices of the 32 teams will be connected to it, and possibly some players’ homes as well.
PHOTO CLIFF HAWKINS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
With the scheduled public events in Las Vegas canceled and the draft taking place remotely, players will likely be at home when they hear their name.
